Michigan woman's son among 10 sailors missing after Navy ship collision

Kenneth Smith was aboard USS John S. McCain when it was hit by oil tanker

MILFORD, Mich. – A mother in Milford has learned her son is among the 10 sailors missing after a Navy ship was involved in a collision off the coast of Singapore.

April Brandon is asking everyone to pray that her son, 22-year-old Kenneth Smith, will be found safe.

Smith was on the USS John S. McCain when it was hit by an oil tanker.

"I want to thank all those who have expressed concern and offered prayers and support as I await word from the Navy on my son Kenneth," Brandon said in a statement. "As you can imagine, this is a very difficult time for our family and we respectfully request that you honor our privacy."

In addition to the 10 sailors missing, five others from the guided-missile destroyer were injured.

Stay with ClickOnDetroit.com for updates.

Latest updates on missing soldiers (AP):

The commander of U.S. naval operations has ordered a comprehensive review to get to root causes after the collision this week between a Navy destroyer and an oil tanker near Singapore.

Monday's early-morning crash is the latest "in a series of incidents in the Pacific theater," Adm. John Richardson said in a video statement. "This trend demands more forceful action."

Navy ships have been in at least four accidents in the Pacific this year.

Commander: Remains of sailors found on USS John McCain

The commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet says a number of remains of Navy sailors were found in a compartment of the USS John McCain, a day after the warship's collision with an oil tanker in Southeast Asian waters left 10 sailors missing.

Read more here.

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About the Author:

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.